Taxonomy

Phylum:

Arthropoda

Subphylum:

Cheliceriformes

Class:

Pycnogonida

Order:

Pantopoda

Family:

Pycnogonidae

Genus:

Pycnogonum

Species:

carinatum

Other Names

Sea spider

General Description

Body with proboscis projecting outward from front, with the mouth at the tip. Central body (trunk) behind the proboscis, with a raised, rounded area (tubercle) bearing four eyes. Eight segmented walking legs attached to the sides of the trunk. Short abdomen behind trunk. Leg span about 6 mm.

Biology

The diet of this species is unknown, but related species in the same genus group feed on anemones. Ovigers are absent in both sexes in which case eggs released by the female are probably cemented directly to the under surface of the male where they are carried until hatching. Males carry the eggs, holding them between body parts called ovigers that hang under the animal.

Habitat

Habitat not known for this species, related species are associated with anemones, to depth of 15 m.